Hi everyone! This is my very first Blog here.. I hope you’ll enjoy a bit of my adventures with work, and life! We are still in the middle of a Pandemic, unfortunately… I hope this Blog could be a source of inspiration and a bit of a fun read while the world holds out for a hopeful and safe future.
To bypass the writing, you can go directly to view the photos below, or you can clik HERE.
I had an opportunity to visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, in the beginning of this year. While my oldest daughter had to go back to schooling remotely on January 4th, my youngest daughter had another week off before she had to start her second semester of school. I turned the trip into a mother-daughter bonding time. I really appreciated her company, and she was being a really good sport throughout the tour. It was hard on her little legs, but she didn’t complain too much. She was patient enough when her momma took many stops to take pictures. (Thank you, Schnoo Noo Bug xo).
We stayed at the Estate’s property in one of their accomodations called Village Hotel. The room we stayed at was really nice, quite different than a “typical” hotel room. They really put a lot of efforts with the design of the room. Since the Pandemic was still happening, they did a great job with putting safety measures throughout the whole property. Did I mention that the whole Estate spans 8,000 acres?
We didn’t sign up for the whole guided tour at the Castle. But we did get the audio tour to help us learn more about the property. I won’t be going into details on the history of the Estate, but needless to say, it was a beautiful, well-designed, and well-built “house”. From what I gathered, Mr. Vanderbilt was still a bachelor when he had the house built until it was finished in 1895. He did get married in 1898 in Paris, and brought his wife home to the Estate. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt both were quite loved by their employees. Rumor has it that it was the locals’ dreams to work at the Estate. They treated their employees very well there. To read more of the Biltmore House’s history, click here.
I couldn’t help but got immersed in the fantasy of living there myself… Well, forget living.. maybe just stay there for a week or two :) . While touring, I also couldn’t help being inspired visually, and secretly (or not) hoping that I’d be fortunate enough to be able to shoot a wedding, or an editorial (or both!) there. Who’s in?
Aside from the House/Castle itself, the surroundings were just as amazing. They have a working farm with chickens, goats, donkeys, pigs, and cows. They also have a Stable with horses which you could ride around the property. You could also rent out some bikes to ride along there, or just walk/hike through it all.
Here are my captures of that beautiful Estate, and the somewhat gloomy day which added to the melancholy of this historic landmark. It definitely exuded the Downton Abbey and The Bridgerton’s vibes. Who’s a fan? #raisingmyhand :)
TO VIEW THE FULL-SCREEN GALLERY/SLIDESHOW, please click HERE.
ps: Due to Winter Season, I’d highly recommend visiting the Estate in the Springtime when all foliage and flowers are blooming again. Though the House was incredibly decked out with their Christmas Decorations, the gardens were mostly barren .. Still beautiful, though.. but judging from the postcard photos they had at the shops there, Springtime at the Biltmore looks amazing.
pss: I added some pictures from past Weddings here for inspirational purposes only. The bride/groom images were NOT photographed at the estate.
All photographs are copyrighted @SariMakkiPhotography2021
